MALACAÑANG on Thursday, August 8, called on commuters to remain patient as the Metro Manila Development Authority (MMDA) strictly implements the new traffic scheme at EDSA, Metro Manila's main highway.
Presidential Spokesperson Salvador Panelo made the appeal after complaints over the yellow lane policy flooded social media platforms.
Under this new policy, bus drivers are allowed to use only two yellow lanes to ease traffic congestion along Edsa.
Its implementation effective Monday, August 5, however, inadvertently worsened the situation along the main thoroughfare in Metro Manila and trapped passengers in a traffic gridlock.
While Panelo agreed that the traffic condition along Edsa has seemingly worsened, he also acknowledged that the MMDA is doing its "level best" to reduce traffic congestion.
"Well, we have to ask the commuters to be patient. I'm sure the MMDA is doing enough," the Palace official said.
"I agree on the traffic situation. It took me two hours from one place in Makati going to the celebration in the Singapore Embassy. But you know, I think the rainy season has contributed to the density of traffic. MMDA is doing its level best to do something about it," he added.
The MMDA started implementing the yellow lane policy on Monday despite the halt order issued by a Quezon City Court.
The Philippines is losing P3.5 billion daily because of the worsening traffic situation in Metro Manila, according to a study conducted by the Japan International Cooperation Agency in partnership with the National Economic and Development Authority.
In July, Public Works Secretary Mark Villar suggested that 300,000 vehicles be removed from Edsa to improve traffic flow.
Panelo acknowledged that the current administration needs to push for several infrastructure projects to ease traffic congestion in Metro Manila.
"Actually, the problem in Edsa, we need skyways for that. If you have a lot of skyways, I don't think there will be traffic. We need infrastructure," he said. (SunStar Philippines)